Remarks by President Halimah Yacob at The Overseas Singaporean Reception

Minister Dr Tan See Leng

Senior Minister of State Sim Ann

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam

Members of Parliament

Fellow Singaporeans,

Good afternoon. I am glad to see such a large turnout. It is a testament to how you all want to be connected, after not seeing one another for a long time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband and I are delighted to be here to meet all of you. I am glad that both Vietnam and Singapore have fully reopened our borders after two long years of COVID-19, and I am able to reconnect with Overseas Singaporeans again.

My visit reciprocates President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s  State Visit to Singapore in February 2022, and follows State Visits to Vietnam by my predecessors, the late President S R Nathan in 2008 and former President Dr Tony Tan in 2012. Our close exchanges reflect our longstanding and warm friendship with Vietnam.

I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City last night. During my visit to Hanoi and Bac Ninh province earlier this week, I had very good discussions with the Vietnamese leaders. We reaffirmed our longstanding relations and common strategic outlook. The Vietnamese leaders and I also reviewed our excellent cooperation in traditional areas such as trade and investment, education, defence and security, and agreed to step up cooperation in new growth areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and sustainable development. I also witnessed the signing of several agreements in these relevant areas, and I am confident this will stand us in good stead as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10^th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership next year. I also hope the MOUs that are signed will benefit some of you who are involved in these areas.

One of the major components of the long-term economic collaboration between our two countries is the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP). I was glad to hear that the VSIPs have collectively attracted US$17 billion of investments and created more than 300,000 jobs since its establishment in 1996. Earlier today, I had the opportunity to engage with various Singaporean and Vietnamese business representatives at a roundtable organised by the Singapore Business Federation. They shared valuable perspectives on Vietnam’s economic development and Singapore’s economic interest in Vietnam.

Even as we emerge from the pandemic, geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic risks have increased. In Singapore, we will have to cope with an ageing population and increasing concerns about social mobility. The Government is actively seeking feedback on such issues. Even if you may not be physically present in Singapore, I encourage you to provide your views and participate actively in this important conversation. Many of you are successful leaders and professionals in the various sectors that you serve. Beyond acting as a bridge to deepen mutual understanding and bonds with the Vietnamese people, I am confident that the 3,000 Singaporeans working and living in Vietnam will offer imperative perspectives and experiences to the ongoing conversation on how we can bring Singapore forward. This is a very important conversation, and we should capture it in the process provided by Forward Singapore.

As you live, work, and study here, I hope you will continue to keep in touch with one another and remain connected to Singapore. Singapore is less than two hours’ flight away from Ho Chi Minh City and technology has made it easier for you to stay in touch with your loved ones and the events happening back home. I am sure many of you had virtual meets with your loved ones during the last two COVID-19 pandemic years. It has been a difficult two years and I know you have remained connected with your families and loved ones through technology. You and the rest of the vibrant Overseas Singaporean community around the globe will always be part of Singapore. We have a large number of Singaporeans all over the world who collectively represents us and the principles and values we believe in.

I would like to wish all of you great success in your endeavours here. My husband and I look forward to interacting with you and your families later to learn more about your experiences in Vietnam.